- Thoughts and habits focus
- Warm collaborative style
- Practical daily tools
About Deborah
Deborah Gleason is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who helps people work through anxiety, stress, relationship strain, and identity-related concerns. She approaches sessions with warmth and a nonjudgmental stance. Deborah asks simple questions and listens closely so people feel heard and understood from the start.
She centers attention on how thoughts and everyday habits shape emotions and behavior. Deborah invites clients to slow down and notice bodily responses as part of healing. Sessions can include conversation, breath or movement-based awareness, grounding, and practical tools for daily life.
Deborah frames therapy as collaborative problem-solving rather than advice-giving. She encourages curiosity about patterns, beliefs, and protective responses that no longer help. Her style is patient and exploratory, with an emphasis on small, manageable changes.
Her background includes work with anxiety, trauma and abuse, LGBTQ+ concerns, self-esteem struggles, and life transitions. She has also supported adolescents in group home settings, focusing on self-worth and emotional awareness. Deborah brings nine years of clinical experience across Alabama and Illinois.
People who choose her often want to reconnect with inner strengths and build routines that support coping. She helps translate insights into everyday habits that reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.
She centers attention on how thoughts and everyday habits shape emotions and behavior. Deborah invites clients to slow down and notice bodily responses as part of healing. Sessions can include conversation, breath or movement-based awareness, grounding, and practical tools for daily life.
Deborah frames therapy as collaborative problem-solving rather than advice-giving. She encourages curiosity about patterns, beliefs, and protective responses that no longer help. Her style is patient and exploratory, with an emphasis on small, manageable changes.
Her background includes work with anxiety, trauma and abuse, LGBTQ+ concerns, self-esteem struggles, and life transitions. She has also supported adolescents in group home settings, focusing on self-worth and emotional awareness. Deborah brings nine years of clinical experience across Alabama and Illinois.
People who choose her often want to reconnect with inner strengths and build routines that support coping. She helps translate insights into everyday habits that reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
9+ years
Credentials
Alabama, Illinois
Languages
English
Therapeutic approaches and what online work can offer
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thinking and commit to small values-based actions. It supports coping with anxiety, grief, and life changes by focusing on chosen values rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, habits, and mood, and teaches practical skills to change thinking patterns and daily routines that maintain distress. Mindfulness Therapy encourages present-moment awareness and gentle attention to bodily states, which can help with stress, trauma responses, and emotional regulation.Choosing the right approach is something the therapist will do with the client. Deborah will listen to needs, goals, and preferences and suggest methods that fit the person's life. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made over time if something isn’t helping.
The original biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it possible to continue sessions during life changes and from different locations, while keeping the focus on practical skills, habit change, and noticing bodily cues that affect mood.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Deborah often address?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, depression, addictions, grief, and identity-related concerns including LGBT topics.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, combining conversation with somatic awareness, grounding, mindfulness, and practical tools for everyday life.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
She has nine years of clinical experience and has worked with adolescents in group home settings as well as adults facing anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?
She holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and practices in Alabama with licensure noted for Alabama and Illinois.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.